KANSAS

The front cover of Kansas first release suggests this is a southern rock or country record. Well, this band always had some hard rock tunes, but they were by far a progressive band. They still had to hone their skills to make a more balanced sound, but all the basic elements are here: symphonic prog epics together with some more rocking tracks. Their musicanship is awesome from the very beginning. The playing is tight, the arrangements are tasteful and the songwriting is their strong point. It´s a pity that it is so overlooked even today.

The album is clearly divided by their prog suites (Belexes, Journey From Mariabrown, Apercu and Death Of Mother Nature Suite). All very good and a great showcase of Kansas members skills. The remaining songs show the more rocking and ballad side of the band. Also very good, but not quite up to their prog numbers. Above all they had an outstanding singer in the form of Steve Walsh. He gave the band a voice that could match their instrumental prowness.

Conclusion: a stunning debut. Very daring sound for its time and an album fulll of classics. I´d give it 3,5 stars, but it really deserves an extra half star because it was so new and groundbreaking then.